Update on Glacier National Park Fire

August 6, 2015

A fire, known as the Reynolds Creek Fire, started in Glacier National Park about two weeks ago, on the east side of the Going to the Sun Road, by St. Mary’s Lake. Many of our friends have expressed concern about Glacier Bear. We wanted to give you an update and share that we are located on the west side of the park and the fire has been confined to the east side, so at this time, we are safe and smoke-free.

Here’s the update as of this morning from the National Park Service:

Facts at a Glance:

Size: 3,913 acres Date Started: 07/21/2015 Percent Containment: 67%

Personnel Assigned: 310, including five Interagency Hotshot crews, four 20-person initial attack crews, and other various personnel

Location: Approximately six miles east of Logan Pass, four miles west of St. Mary Visitor Center

Department of Natural Resources, Flathead County, as well as Glacier County and Montana Disaster & Emergency Services are assisting Glacier National Park

Cause: Under investigation

Structures Lost: 2

Cost: $9.7 Million

Today’s actions: A cold front will be moving through the area today bringing with it an increase of moisture, cloud cover and possibly light showers. High winds area expected out of the west with gusts from 40-45 mph and temperatures will be in the 60’s. The northwestern area of Rose Creek drainage area will continue to burn as fuels dry out and become receptive to heat. Interior unburned islands will continue to be consumed, reducing the availability of fuel. Crews will proceed with mopping up along the fire’s perimeter, as well as removing excess equipment and hose.

As Fire managers are feeling more confident in the security of the fire line perimeter, crews will concentrate on removing hazards and extinguishing hot spots along the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Firefighters are now able to focus more resources along Going-to-the-Sun Road, there is an expectation that the historic road will reopen sometime during this summer season as soon as it is safe for public travel. This remains a major priority for Glacier National Park. All businesses are open in St. Mary to provide a variety of services for summer vacationers on the east side of the Divide.

Closures: The Rising Sun Motor Inn, Rising Sun Campground, and the Rising Sun Boat Dock remain closed.The Going-to-the-Sun Road remains closed from the St. Mary Campground to Logan Pass on the east side of the park.

Openings: Going-to-the-Sun Road is open to Logan Pass from the west side of the park. Visitors should expect delays and congestion along the road. The Red Eagle drainage is open for hiking access to Red Eagle Lake,Triple Divide, and the beaver ponds. The Sperry Trail is open from Lake McDonald Lodge to Gunsight Pass. Any travel beyond Gunsight Pass is closed due to fire activity. The Lake Ellen Wilson backcountry site is open.

Glacier National Park remains open, and excellent recreation opportunities abound. Information on current park activities can be found at: www.nps.gov/glac, Facebook.com/GlacierNPS, twitter.com/glaciernps, or flickr.com/photos/glaciernps. Additionally, current conditions can be viewed on park webcams at: http://www.nps.gov/glac/learn/photosmultimedia/webcams.htm.

The park remains open and our area is smoke-free. We hope the fire will be 100% contained soon and that the animals can return to their homes. In the meantime, we are grateful that all is safe at Glacier Bear Retreat!

We look forward to seeing you back at Glacier Bear Retreat sometime soon!